narcotic
|nar-cot-ic|
🇺🇸
/nɑːrˈkɑːtɪk/
🇬🇧
/nɑːˈkɒtɪk/
drug inducing stupor
Etymology
'narcotic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'narkotikos,' where 'narkē' meant 'numbness' or 'stupor.'
'narkotikos' transformed into the Latin word 'narcoticus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'narcotic' through Old French.
Initially, it meant 'inducing numbness or stupor,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a drug affecting mood or behavior.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a drug or other substance affecting mood or behavior and sold for nonmedical purposes, especially an illegal one.
The police seized a large quantity of narcotics.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
relating to or denoting narcotics or their effects or use.
The narcotic effects of the drug were immediate.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41